Jermon Bushrod – September 29, 2016 (Postgame)
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Thursday, September 29, 2016
Postgame – at Cincinnati
Miami Dolphins Guard Jermon Bushrod (transcribed by the Cincinnati Bengals)
What do you need to do to turn this around? – “We’ve got some work to do. We’ve got to get back to work. That’s really all we can do. It’s tough. We had opportunities, and they played well. We’ve just got to fight.”
Within the group, what are the challenges with new guys coming in different spots? – “We did a lot of things well. This game is just a breakdown here, a breakdown there. After a while, it just adds up. I’m looking at myself first, absolutely. It’s just things we’ve got to clean up. We’ve got to find a way to get better. We’ve got to do something.”
Ndamukong Suh – September 27, 2016 (Conference Call)
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Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh Conference Call with Cincinnati Media
(On how challenging it is to play a Thursday night road game) – “It’s not always the easiest, but definitely doable from a recovery standpoint. At the end of the day, the way we have things set up here at this organization, it allows us to definitely get back on our feet quickly and be prepared for a Thursday night game.”
(On if he feels that this is a must-win game) – “Yes, no question. It’s definitely a big game for us. Being 1-2, in my opinion, we need to definitely finish the (first) quarter (of the season) out 2-2 and go from there, or else we put ourselves in a very tough bind for the rest of the season. The best thing we can do is focus on the task at hand, which is obviously Cincinnati, and we need to go up there and have a great showing.”
(On the Bengals run game) – “They have some good downhill runners. They have two solid (running) backs. Both of them can run the ball. One of them is more specialized to get out in the passing and screen game. At the end of the day, we have to be able to contain both of them and shut down the run and put it on the quarterback’s shoulders, who is obviously capable to win the games. But (we want to) force them to be a one-dimensional team.”
(On what he sees out of QB Andy Dalton and what he’s done well so far this season) – “He’s been able to get rid of the ball, especially having a big target in No. 18 (A.J. Green). At the end of the day, he is experienced. This won’t be my first time going against him. He’s athletic, he can move outside of the pocket. He likes to move up into the pocket and obviously make plays with his feet, as well as his arms. We definitely have a big challenge on our hands.”
(On giving QB Andy Dalton his greeting to the NFL on the very first preseason snap) – “I’m not sure what you mean by that, sir.”
(On him hitting QB Andy Dalton with a pretty good hit) – “Yes, I like to hit any and every quarterback that steps up in front of me. That’s my goal when I go out there on Thursday, to hit him as much as I can.”
(On it not being the first time he’s gone against G Kevin Zeitler) – “(He’s a) good young kid, obviously in his fifth year. (He’s a) first round pick, obviously you’re not picked in the first round without having some talent. In my opinion, (he’s) a guy that I respect. It will be a good battle, I look forward to it and we’ll go from there.”
(On if he watches much tape of DT Geno Atkins) – “I’ve watched tape of him, without question. I watched a lot of his tape of last year and the success he’s had. I respect all defensive tackles and wish them all the best. At the end of the day, they’re my counterparts and we want to see success in them. Yes, I definitely watch Geno (Atkins) and his ability to be a great pass rusher as well as in the run game.”
(On what he likes about his game, what) – “He’s an explosive, strong guy, plays great with his hands, doesn’t allow guys to hang on to him. He’s quick (and has) good inside moves, from the three technique especially. At the end of the day, it’s not going to be between me and him, it’s going to be between himself and our offensive line and myself against their offensive line.”
(On what he thinks needs to get better on defense) – “I think at the end of the day, for us, it comes down to execution. Obviously when we do execute, we need to make sure that we are down and dirty and make sure we make the plays and tackle. We’ve had some missed tackles in games past and haven’t always been in the right positon, myself included. At the end of the day, just execute and make sure we tackle and get the guys on the ground.”
(On if it’s difficult to face two running backs that have very different running styles) – “Yes, it’s actually been that way for the last two or three weeks for us. (We’ve) seen a lot of running back combinations like that, where (teams) have a predominately downhill running back, a guy that they are going to feed a lot of times, as well as a guy that they like to use in the screen game and the pass game on third down. It’s not something that will be new to our defense. I think that we will be well-prepared for it. I think that we have a good scheme; we just got through with a walkthrough. I’m excited about it and I look forward to it. At the end of the day, it’s about us just going out there and tackling and not allowing them to make explosive plays.”
(On Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s history coaching in Cincinnati and could he give any insight on the Bengals’ offense that you can’t get from film) – “I think he can give us insight, but at the end of the day, I think the other team obviously knows that. They’ll have some pieces to combat that. At the end of the day, we just have to go out there, line up and play ball, and execute the scheme and make plays.”
(On how he feels Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s transition to calling plays is going) – “I like Vance a lot, first and foremost, as a human being. He’s a smart, sharp guy. We get along; (he has a) great personality. Most importantly and secondly, he’s a guy that understands that he’s not out there on the football field making plays. It’s his players out there making plays for him. He puts us in great positions to do that, I respect a guy who has that type of mindset. I think it will serve him well as he continues to move in his career. Obviously, I’m enjoying every bit of it with him being our defensive coordinator here.”
Ryan Tannehill – September 27, 2016
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Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill
(On the importance of this game) – ”It’s a big game for us, obviously. Where we’re at in the season, we’re in the fourth game being 1-2, on the road, Thursday Night Football, a big stage – it’s going to be a fun game. It’s going to be a fun atmosphere. Thursday night games are always fun to play in, no matter where they’re at. We’re looking forward to the game.”
(On how the tight end role changes without TE Jordan Cameron) – “I don’t think it changes a whole lot. I think we’re comfortable with Dion (Sims) and what he brings to the table, as well as MarQueis (Gray) coming in as a second tight end. Obviously Jordan has some specific talents that we’re going to miss while he is out, but Dion has done a really nice job when he’s been in the game. He made some really big plays for us over the last two weeks. (He had) a big third down (conversion) last week (at New England) – a nice catch. And then the first play of overtime I think it was, or the second play of overtime (vs. Cleveland), when he made the nice catch and run. He’s had some big plays for us and we look forward to more of those.”
(On if he has full confidence in TE Dion Sims and how that has developed over the years) – “I’ve had confidence in Dion for a long time. He’s a heck of a football player. I like to think of him as our little secret because I don’t feel like people really know how good of a player Dion is and what he brings to the table. It’s going to be exciting for him, as well as the offense, to have him out there and see what he can do.”
(On S Reshad Jones saying the team matches up well with the Bengals and if he agrees with that given the recent success against them) – “I think I have a lot of respect for the defense. I don’t know much about their offense. I know they have some playmakers. On defense, they’re a good defense. They’re going to have a lot of different looks. (They are) very similar to our defense as far as the base defense and the pressures – the kind of exotic pressures – they bring. We’ve got a lot of reps against a defense like this and hopefully that will pay off on Thursday.”
(On if he has good memories of previous games against the Bengals) – “Yes, I remember winning up there a few years ago and then the Thursday night game here (in 2013) is probably the most memorable. Just being Halloween night, I remember the orange flashers, the lights off in pregame and then the walk-off sack (by DE Cameron Wake) to end it was pretty unique and something I’ll never forget.”
(On TE MarQueis Gray’s versatility and what he brings to the offense) – “He’s an athletic guy. We’ve brought him into the game in three tight end sets before but having him in two tight end sets, we’ll use him much like we do Dion. I think they’re kind of similar as far as they can block really well but can also get out and affect the pass game.”
(On if Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s familiarity with the Bengals personnel helps on a short week) – “Not really a whole lot. Obviously, he knows those guys, but you kind of have to trust what you see on tape. Expect what you see on tape and make the adjustments accordingly with how things go throughout the game.”
(On the pass protection over the past two weeks) – “It has been good. Obviously we have some things to clean up, especially this last game and the mistakes that we had. But I think it’s heading in the right direction. I think the guys are coming together. We’re going to have to battle through some injuries this week and guys stepping up and filling in for us. But I think we’re headed in the right direction. We just have to keep building on the good things that we’ve done and correct the things we haven’t done well.”
(On what he saw when he went back and watched the Browns game) – “It’s always better than you think it was or not as bad as you think it was, however you want to look at it. There were good things. I think our run game really did some good things. Dion (Sims) blocked really well, getting the edge for us and we had some good outside runs. We did have some explosive plays. You see DeVante (Parker) with a nice catch down the field, Jarvis (Landry) with a nice catch and run for a touchdown. Some big plays were made. There were good things in there; we just have to be more consistent in the details of what we’re doing.”
(On if it is fair to say the team needs to play better on Thursday than it did vs. Cleveland to get a win) – “Definitely. We didn’t play very well. We had a ton of MAs (missed assignments) across the board on offense. You can’t do that and expect to win, and expect to win consistently. Like I said, last week I’m not sure we deserved that win, but I’ll take it every day of the week. Moving forward, we have to be better, we have to be cleaner and not (have) nearly as many MAs.”
(On if this is the most chemistry he has had with his wide receivers during his career) – “Yes, we’re talented at the receiver position. No matter who is the primary target, I feel comfortable and excited about the opportunities that they get. They’re so versatile and the things that they bring to the table – Kenny (Stills) and his speed, DeVante (Parker) and his size and ball skills and then Jarvis (Landry) just being a football player. We have a really good combo of those three guys and are able to kind of highlight their strengths and matchups in order to help us out.”
(On if his chemistry is coming along with WR Kenny Stills, WR DeVante Parker and WR Jarvis Landry) – “Yes, it’s great. I feel 100 percent comfortable with where we’re at with chemistry right now.”
(On why his numbers are so much better in the second half than the first half of the first three games) – “We haven’t played well in the first half. I think that’s plain to see. It doesn’t take any long division to figure that out. We just have to come out and execute. I think it all just comes down to execution of the total offense – just being on the same page, doing the right things and being in the right spot.”
(On if the short passing game is an extension of the running game) – “Yes, I think so. You look at the bubble screens and the quick throws, they are an extension of the run game. We look to get 4 yards a pop on those. Anything over that is a bonus. You just want to be efficient. I think we had over 100 yards rushing last game and that’s a good place to be in. If you’re getting over 100 yards a game then you’re going to be in a good spot. We just have to keep building off what we did last week.”
(On WR DeVante Parker and WR Kenny Stills having a lower percentage catch rate than WR Jarvis Landry) – “A lot of things go into that – whether it’s the play call, the protection, the throw, the route. It all plays a factor. We just have to, as an offense, work together as a group, all be on the same page and execute to get the ball in the right spot.”
Cameron Wake – September 27, 2016
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Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Defensive End Cameron Wake
(On his walk-off safety in overtime to win against the Bengals in 2013) – “I remember it being a long game. There were a lot of plays played, and obviously, overtime. Thursday night, it was probably after midnight (on) Halloween. I remember the fans were all into it. The game ended in a dramatic fashion, and it was a lot of fun.”
(On whether the walk-off safety is a career highlight for him) – “I’ve had a couple of them – a couple of nice plays – but that’s on the list. I’d have to sit down when I’m old and gray and start trying to make a list. But again, to end the game like that, after all of the fighting and scratching and clawing that it took to get to that position, it was definitely something to remember.”
(On whether people mention that play to him) – “This week it has been brought up a few times, especially (because it is) the same team, Thursday night. It’s kind of déjà vu, but the reality is football is played week to week. I guarantee the Bengals don’t care about that. Probably some guys in here don’t even know about it. This week we have to go out there and not live in the past. We’ve got to make our mark starting fast, going out there and playing hard and doing our job this week. So, I’m kind of over that.”
(On where the walk-off safety against the Bengals ranks in his career) – “Like I said, when I’m on my rocking chair on the porch, it’ll be a better question to ask me. I’ve been in a lot of tough games and fortunately made a few plays here and there throughout my career. But that one is one that most guys know about. Thursday night, a lot of guys were watching the end of the game. Was it my most memorable play? I don’t know. But it was something I definitely cherish, and I was fortunate to be there and make it.”
Ndamukong Suh – September 27, 2016
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Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh
(On when he started or needed to start planning for the Bengals) – “Sunday night, Monday morning. (It’s as) simple as that. Technology is a great thing in this world. I’ve got an iPad at home so I can watch whatever I need to watch.”
(On if he ever feels like he doesn’t have a handle on everything on shorts weeks because of the preparation time) – “No. Not for me personally, because at the end of the day, if you look at a normal week we go Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We’ve still got three days before our game, so we should be able to be fine. It’s just going to be sped up.”
(On what insight Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph has given the team after being in Cincinnati for so many years) – “I think he understands what their offense wants to do and what type of players that they have. I think that’s going to be the best insight he’s going to be able to give us because I think they are smart enough to figure out that he is going to have those pieces (of information) and he’s going to tell us. So they are going to combat that. So we can’t really look at schemes or things of that nature that they’ve done in the past, because they’re probably going to end up changing it.”
(On Bengals CB Adam Jones saying that Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph is one of the best coaches that he’s ever been around in making adjustments and if that is his experience in the short time with him) – “I would definitely agree with that. I would also agree with the simple fact that Vance understands that he’s not out there on the football field making plays. His players are going out there, so he puts us in great positions to do that. That’s something I’m excited about, being around him for three games and being our play caller.”
(On at what point does his body starts to feel good on a typical week) – “This is football. You never feel good.” (Laughter)
(On when his body starts to feel okay during the week) – “Honestly, I don’t pay attention to those things. I don’t focus on that stuff. (I) just go out there and play and do what I got to do to make sure that I’m prepared.”
(On if the run defense is concerning after the first three games) – “Obviously, teams have found ways to crease us on certain plays. I think at the end of the day, it’s going to come down to us to continue to find ways to make sure we execute 100 percent. I think a lot of those big plays come in small spurts. I think we do a great job, for the most part, of being consistent and then sometimes we just let them spurt out. We have to eliminate those.”
(On if he is double-teamed most of the time or all of the time) – “I don’t pay attention to those things. There’s no point. I would imagine that I’d be double-teamed most of the time, but at the end of the day, whoever is in front of me whether it’s one, two, three, four or five guys, my goal is to beat them and get after the running back or the quarterback.”
(On if he has had three guys block him on one play) – “Like I said, I don’t pay attention to those things. I just go out there and play.”
Darren Rizzi – September 27, 2016
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Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Darren Rizzi
(On Head Coach Adam Gase saying P Matt Darr saved the Dolphins and what his thoughts were on his performance) – “I don’t know if he saved us but he certainly played a very good game. His performance on Sunday in particular was impressive. The things that Matt has been working on are hang time on the ball and location, and that’s something that he’s really improved on. The best thing about Matt (Darr) is he’s really never satisfied with his results and he’s always looking to get better. He’s a little bit of a perfectionist. For a guy that’s only in his second year in the league, he’s really kind of already a pro, and that’s rare to see for a guy that’s only played as many games as he has. In particular, Sunday, our net averages are obviously very good. He had a couple of great locations on the ball. The punt at the end that we downed at the 9-yard line was a huge play for field position certainly. But there were some other ones there. I think we downed four inside the 20. There was some real good coverage on a couple of them. Our gunners –Tony Lippett and Walt Aikens in particular – did a really good job of facing up the returners. It’s not surprising me because I see Matt (Darr) do it every day on a consistent basis in practice and a guy that’s really working on his craft. He’s a talented player. We’re very, very happy to have him and again, I think he’s one of those guys who is always trying to get better. I certainly know where Adam’s (Gase) coming from. I mean, at the end of the day, when you look at the stats sheet and you look at the overall game after you step outside and kind of look back, you could certainly look at it like that. He really helped us from a field position standpoint and that ended up being a huge part of that football game. You didn’t know what play was going to be the biggest one because it ended up being a see-saw battle. So all those plays were huge at that stage.”
(On LS John Denney and the influence of a veteran has in the locker room) – “Yes. I’ll tell you what, John Denney’s great for everybody – including me. As a coach, when you have a guy that’s been around the game for a long, long time, John (Denney) has got the perfect temperament for his position as a long snapper. He’s always right here [holds hand up to the middle]. He’s never too high, never too low. He’s just got a really, really good temperament and personality. He’s great for the younger guys. A guy like (Matt) Darr and (Andrew) Franks that were rookies last year, both were undrafted rookies that came in here and they’re playing with a guy that’s been doing for it as long as he has. He was a really good role model for those guys to get oriented into the league. Not only is he good for the specialists, but he’s also good for the rest of the group, the rest of the team. He’s a guy that you’ll see, even some of the players in other positions will bounce ideas off of him or bounce thoughts off of him because he’s a wise guy and he’s really very thoughtful in everything that we’re doing. Like I said, he’s seen a lot of things around here. He’s been through a lot of coaches and he’s been through a lot of regimes. He’s seen a lot of things and he’s a very well-grounded guy. He’s a very smart person, very intelligent, and like I said to another guy, we’re very, very fortunate to have (him). Sometimes a long snapper is kind of like a referee or an umpire. If you don’t talk about them, they probably did a pretty good job. That’s kind of the way John Denney’s been. I can count on one hand, in the eight years I’ve been here, how many mistakes he’s made – mental mistakes. Knock on wood. But that’s a guy we’re very fortunate to have, not only from a special teams standpoint, but from a team standpoint. He’s a guy that’s on our leadership committee – voted in by his peers – and not surprising. Just again, he’s a consistent, steady performer week in and week out, and hopefully he continues to do so.”
(On the Browns kicker situation and the level of confidence in his kicker on the road) – “I’m very confident in Andrew (Franks). I think Andrew (Franks) really had a great preseason. Talk about our guy, I know a lot of people point to the kick in Seattle and things like that, but again, I have the upmost confidence in him as a person (and) as a player. So I’m not only worried about that. As far as the Browns go, that’s a very unfortunate situation. In the eight years I’ve been here, it’s happened twice to us – maybe not on Friday, but late in the week a couple of times when Dan Carpenter was here. We had to pick Nate Kaeding one time and Shayne Graham the other time later in the week. That’s a rough spot. It’s a rough spot. I don’t envy anybody –their coaches, Cody (Parkey). I think Cody’s (Parkey) a very good player – obviously went to a Pro Bowl. But to be put in that situation, that’s a tough one. You look around the NFL right now and I think already through three games, (there are) some pretty mind-blowing stats. Already 24 teams have missed field goals out of 32. Seventy-five percent of the teams have missed a field goal and 13 teams have missed an extra point, so 40 percent of the teams have missed an extra point. Those numbers are pretty eye-opening and again you’re seeing it around the league. That play, the field goal and the PAT, is no longer a ‘gimme.’ I think we’re all figuring that out as we go. Every point matters. It’s something we take very seriously. It’s just an unfortunate situation that the Browns got themselves into with the injury to their kicker late in the week. Getting back to our guy – I’ve got pure confidence in him, and I think if (he was) put in that situation, I’d have no problem with that at all.”
(On if he remotely had that situation of losing a kicker) – “I can remember Nate (Kaeding) came up here, off the top of my head. I remember that Shayne Graham played in a game in Dallas. I think he was 3-for-4. And then I remember Nate Kaeding played in a really, really windy day up in New England. He started one about 10 feet outside the right post and it ended up about 10 feet outside the left post. He ended up missing one up there. When you only have one (kicker) on the roster, those are situations … I’ve seen it happen with long snappers. I’ve seen it happen with kickers. I’ve seen it happen with punters. Heck, I even know of situations where guys have gotten hurt in pregame after the inactives were in. That’s really when you find out a lot about some guys. So those situations, unfortunately, can come up. That’s why you always have to have your short list. We travel around in the offseason working out free agent guys, just to have a punter, kicker, long snapper, kind of a short list in case it ever comes up. I think one of the things, a few years ago, we had one of our specialists got sick the night before the game. (He) came down with like a really high fever, vomiting and all that. We weren’t quite sure what was going to happen. That was on a Saturday. So it can be a touchy situation and, again, I’ve been there. It’s not an easy situation. I think the thing when you look back to the Browns game is, you get a guy like Cody Parkey in there, who’s been there. He was out of it for a little bit. He was out of it since preseason. It’s very hard to simulate. You can go to any field. You can go to – I know he’s from Jupiter – you go to a high school field or a college field and kick field goals and stay in shape and all that, but to simulate a live rush in a situation like that? It’s like me going out in my backyard. I can make 20 free throws in a row there by myself (laughter). And then all of a sudden, if you put me in a game, and we’re running around, the situation changes. So it’s very, very hard to simulate live action, a rush coming at you, a new holder, new snapper. I think a lot of people forget there are a lot of factors that go into it. It’s not just the kick itself. There’s a guy, I think, like I said, he was a rookie and he made a Pro Bowl. (He’s) certainly a good player. It certainly worked out … We’re happy that it worked out the way it did, and kudos to our rush team because they, as I said last week, our rush team has really been coming after people. Certainly, I think we’ve kind of put that in the back of the minds of a lot of kickers.”
Vance Joseph – September 27, 2016
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Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph
(On if LB Jelani Jenkins is a starter or if there is some competition there with LB Donald Butler and LB Neville Hewitt) – “Well, we’ve got (Donald) Butler ready to be the starter at Sam (line)backer if we don’t get Koa (Misi), and at Will (line)backer, we’ve got Neville (Hewitt) ready to be the starter for Jelani, if he doesn’t go. So we’ve got two guys ready to go. That’s why they’re here, especially Butler. He’s here to play linebacker. It’s his chance. It’s his turn to show us what he can do.”
(On if LB Jelani Jenkins would have some competition for his starting position if he was healthy) – “No. He’s played well all summer. He’s played well all fall so far. I’m pleased with Jelani. Obviously he has to stay healthy. That’s been an issue over the years. When he’s healthy, he’s played well for us. I’ve been pleased with Jelani.”
(On if his background with the Bengals helps him in a short week) – “Absolutely. Even playing the Browns last week with Hue Jackson, it’s going to be similar offensive philosophies, the run game and pass game alike. For us, it’s kind of fitting that we’re playing the Browns and playing the Bengals in back-to-back weeks. It helps us.”
(On if DE Cameron Wake’s snap count this past week was where he’d like it to be throughout the year) – “Absolutely. We had, I think, 15 or 16 third downs. We had more passing opportunities in this game. If Cam gets about 25 to 30 snaps a game, that’s perfect for us, because you can see if he is fresh at the end of the game, he can close the game out.”
(On if his defense is super hard to learn) – “I don’t think it’s super hard, but you have to be detailed. We’ve had a lot of errors. We’ve practiced very well each week, but in the game there have been a lot of errors. It’s been probably eight to nine plays a game (where there’s) been critical errors that have caused explosive plays. Outside of those eight to 10 plays, it’s been pretty good. I think it’s a case of a new system. It’s a case of having some young guys playing out there. That’s what I’ve got to attribute it to because it’s a system where it’s almost the same job even when there’s pressure or zone. So I’m not sure why there’s a lot of error right now, but it’s got to be fixed quickly. Again, it’s been eight to 10 snaps (with) errors and the other 60 snaps have been pretty good.”
(On Head Coach Adam Gase saying there was some freelancing in the front four and what was going on there) – “That happens when guys are pass rushing every snap. We’ve got to play blocks better. Every snap can’t be a pass rush. When you’re pass rushing, it forces you to be softer in your gaps. So you can be in your gap, but it’s soft, so it gets moved. For the linebacker, instead of it being a smaller gap, it becomes a big gap. We’ve got to recognize run/pass better and play blocks better up front. That’s an issue when you’re an attack front, because we’ve preached attack, attack, attack. But in the same aspect, they’ve got to play blocks better.”
(On if he is saying that guys were acting like it was a pass but it was a run) – “No. I think our guys are just getting off the ball and attacking gaps without realizing it could be run or pass. We have to do a better job of playing gaps up front so we can keep those gaps tighter. Obviously, rushing the passer won’t be our problem. Every game we’ve played this year. we’re hitting the quarterback and we’re getting sacks. But teams are going to counter you when you’re an attack front with reverses, screens and draws, and those things work if you’re constantly up the field. So we’ve got to realize how teams are going to play us. I like being an attack front. It’s great when it’s pass, but when it’s run, you have to field a block and fight the pressure off the block.”
(On if he has any emotion going back to Cincinnati and if he thinks he has any advantage in terms of knowing the personnel) – “It’s no emotion, really. It’s the next game for us. We’ve got to go 2-2. That’s our goal this week. As far as the personnel, it does help. I’ve watched A.J. (Green) in practice for two years. A.J. is a special, special player. The Jeremy Hill kid is a special (running back. Gio Bernard is a special player. I watched the o-line for two years and it’s a good group. Being in that building for two years, you understand why they’ve been good for a long time.”
(On how the defensive tackle play has been from guys other than DT Ndamukong Suh) – “It’s been okay to inconsistent. Last week it was the edge, this week it was down the middle. We’ve got to do a better job of filling blocks, fitting our gaps, the (line)backers coming downhill. There were five explosive runs and I would bet two popped because of gap responsibilities and the other three because of missed tackles. There were five explosive passes in the game and nothing thrown over 8 yards. Most of our explosive passes this year have been thrown inside of 5 years. That’s tackling; that’s being in position to make a play. I’m not concerned about the explosive passes because it’s been tackling for the most part, on explosive passes. The run game we have to fix. It’s been an issue.”
(On how the team can really work on tackling when they are limited in padded practices) – “Most of our (practices are in) shoulder pads (or) shells. We still tackle. We still tackle those dummies and tackle bodies the best we can, even if you don’t have on pads. But everyone has the same rules. If one defense tackles well and one does not, it’s not because of the rules. We’ve got to do a better job of tackling each week in practice and it will transfer into the game.”
Clyde Christensen – September 27, 2016
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Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Offensive Coordinator Clyde Christensen
(On the challenges of having a short week) – “It’s extremely tough, especially a road (game on) Thursday. The biggest thing is physically getting them rested. You can emphasize it, but you’ve got to get extra sleep, you’ve got to get home, you can’t celebrate a win – some of those things. So, the biggest thing is the physical part (and) getting yourself back fresh and going. It was a little stressful getting the game plan in and then today, we’ll get one good day of walkthroughs (and) you have to put in regular, red zone, third down (installs), and then tomorrow you’ve got to come with short yardage, goal line and 4-minute (installs) and (then) you’re on a plane. It’s hard for it to go in. The really good teams are the ones that have a good system, and they’ve been in it for a long time, and that’s really important. (When) you do have these short weeks, you’ve got to rely on the system and let it take care of itself.”
(On whether RB Jay Ajayi was a new man after his game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Browns) – “I would think so. It has been an up and down three or four weeks for him, so it’s a great way for him to get a lift. These guys are emotional guys. It’s tough, so I do think in a big way, that gives you a lift. It gives everyone a lift. I think it was great for him. (I was) glad to see it happen. He’s a hard-working guy. He has worked hard. In a lot of ways, for a lot of guys, some things haven’t gone the way maybe you had planned. That’s what this game does. That’s how this game rolls. This game throws you curve balls and sinkers and fastballs and off-speed pitches. That’s part of this thing, and he’s no exception. The franchise is no exception. And then all of a sudden, one play and you feel … It probably is more significant than one play, but it’s big. I thought it was great for him; it was great for us. I was happy for him personally, too.”
(On what T Ja’Wuan James does well and whether he is still the starting right tackle) – “Yes, I think he still is our starting right tackle. He’s no different than anyone. We’re looking for the right combination and some guys who can do it day in and day out. I do think – probably like a baseball pitcher – that he’s a starter, and there are times you’ve got to give some guys some relief, and sometimes it’s short term. That doesn’t change that you’re a starter. I think the biggest thing … The first part of your question was … He’s really a good player. He’s a good athlete. I think probably the thing that everyone wants out of him is for him to establish himself as an elite right tackle, and to be a leader. We’re dying for guys who are going to be owners in this thing (and say), ‘This is my unit. This is my franchise. This is my team. Follow me. Do what I’m doing.’ Those are the guys we’re looking for right now, and I think that’s probably what everyone wants out of him. That comes in a lot of different forms or passions, but the good teams have some veteran, good players who take ownership of the thing and say, ‘This is the way we do things. This is the standard we live up to, and we’re going to do it every week, every practice and every walkthrough.’ I think that’s what we all would love to see out of him. I would hope that’s what he wants to see out of himself.”
(On what T Ja’Wuan James does well) – “He does a lot really well. I think he can be a premier right tackle in this league. I think we all think that. I think that probably is … The expectations are high on him. I think we talked in here that our strength is having a deep number of tackles, an unusual number of tackles that can play both sides and can be really good players. I think he has done an awful lot very well, but there are certain positions in football – defensive line, receiver – where you play 75 snaps and you may get five catches, but you don’t know which five they’re coming on you – you rush the passer 55 times in a game – but you don’t know which one the sack is coming on. That’s the same thing with the offensive line. You can play 75 good snaps, but if two of them are sacks or sack-fumbles or worse, then you get measured by that. It’s a unique position. You’ve got to keep doing it. A couple plays can swing it for you, and I think that happened to him Sunday. That’s one of the unique things in this game – you don’t know when those plays are popping.”
(On C Mike Pouncey) – “I’m happy to see him moving around, whether it’s in the end zone (during practice) … I’ve been teasing (him that) I’ve been watching him at Club Med there down in the end zone. The truth of the matter is I think everyone has got one eye down there during practice and seeing how he’s moving and how it’s coming. But I think the encouraging thing – the take of the thing – is that he’s moving around. I think that’s a good sign.”
(On whether it is asking too much for C Mike Pouncey to play in a short week) – “Probably. Sure, probably. Although there are certain guys – and he’d be one – you’d never bet against. There are some guys I just wouldn’t bet against that I’ve seen them rehab and I’ve seen them heal, and he would probably be in that category. Though I don’t have a history with him, but it would be hard to bet against him, because he’s such a pro in everything he does. But yes, it would be on the miraculous side, certainly, on a short week to get him ready, especially because there’s really no practice so to speak. It’ll be the same thing with Arian (Foster) that maybe, maybe not. When there’s no practice, it’s hard to know if they’re … How do you find out if they’re ready? You can’t put on pads. You can’t … There’s no practice to evaluate them off of. So, it’ll be difficult.”
(On what he likes about C/G Kraig Urbik) – “I think probably the No. 1 thing is he’s a veteran guy. He has got some years and snaps under his belt. He comes into that game (against Cleveland) … That’s an interesting position. He came in at an interesting time that ball game. I think probably the thing you like the most about him is that he is a veteran guy and that he did come into a game in a critical situation where everything wasn’t going right, and he functioned. I think that’s what you do like about him: that he does have some deposits in there from a lot of years.”
(On whether RB Kenyan Drake did some things well in his first career start against Cleveland) – “I think he did. He got his first pro start, and he did some nice things. One of the interesting things is he’s playing quite a few snaps on special teams also. The big thing for him is getting the conditioning up where … The only way to do it is by doing it and playing in game conditioning. I think we’ll keep using him a bunch. He has showed us enough stuff. He got a little tired. He had a couple missed assignments there in the fourth quarter that I think he would say wouldn’t be characteristic. I don’t know if it’s from playing too much or not. But he’s going to keep getting reps. I said last week when we talked, someone is going to jump up. Those reps are out there and you better grab them. I don’t know that there will ever be a 50-play guy, because all these guys are so multidimensional and they are all playing special teams. But you’ve got X number of snaps, and they’re up for grabs. He started the game, so he gets the first crack at it.”
(On what the offense can do in single tight end sets with TE Dion Sims) – “It would probably be more … (To) put it in a different perspective, having two of them … We really feel like we still have two, but the thing now is you probably have to prepare a tackle. If you lose a tight end, now you go into a game with two tight ends, and (ask), ‘Are you out of the ace package? Do you get a tackle ready?’ We’ve got our own issues at offensive line. We’ve got a lot of scenarios for a short week that are a little bit difficult to deal with. I think Dion (Sims) is playing really, really good football right now. He played very well in that game. He got a game ball. I don’t foresee there being a drop off. They’re not that much different. He’s probably a little bit more in line, grind it out, but he’s showing he can catch balls and do those things. I don’t think there will be much change. A) We don’t have time to change much game-plan wise. B) I think everyone has confidence in him that he’ll come out and play really well as a starter in the thing. I think he had a really good camp, and I really don’t think there’ll be a drop off when we have our two tight ends in there. Now we’ve got to keep them both healthy and make it through this game and get to a long weekend where we can recoup and recover here and get some guys back.”
(On whether TE Thomas Duarte is an option for the 53-man roster or if he’s not ready) – “A little bit of both. I wouldn’t say he’s not ready but he’s probably not ready. He probably does need some more seasoning. But the other thing, it’s not quite as easy because of the roster spots. To get him up, you got to cut somebody, now you’re shorthanded. Defensively and offensively, we’re a little bit shorthanded. So it’s a little bigger than, ‘Is he ready?’ Who do you do without? Do you do without a special teams guy? So, it is a little bit bigger than, ‘Is he ready or not?’ He’s developing. I think everyone is really pleased with him. I would not rule out that there will be a time in this season where he does get pulled up. One of the hard things is when guys are injured, but they’re not IR (Injured Reserve) injured – they’re injured, but they’re coming back and they’re coming back in the short term – it’s hard to free up a roster spot. Everyone has got the same problem: when you have guys dinged up, it’s hard to find those guys you can activate. It’s as much a roster spot as it is Duarte.”
(On how close the offense is to big plays and frequent chunk yardage) – “Some of our numbers on big plays and average per play and some of those things are fine. Those numbers are healthy. The number that’s sick is the third down. I think if you said, ‘Multiple those numbers out at 75 snaps a game,’ a lot of things are going to look a lot better. We’ve been anemic on third down. Those are crushers, because all of a sudden you look up and there’s not enough carries for a running back, there’s not enough balls to go around, there’s not enough time of possession, there’s not enough anything. I do think some of those isolated numbers like yards per play, yards per rush – some of those big plays – those things are okay. The biggest thing now is staying on the field on third down and multiple those out into a 75-play game and 85-play game, which we’d look to have in the style of play that we have.”
(On who has been the best offensive lineman through three weeks) – “I think they’ve all … (Anthony) Steen has been a pleasant surprise. He has played really steady. He went down; hopefully (it is) short-term. But they’ve done a good job. I think the same thing, they’ve done a good job, it’s just the third down has been a crusher. I think, as a unit, we’ve all taken our turns screwing things up, starting with me. The first interception was probably on me and the play design. That wasn’t (Ryan Tannehill’s) fault. The corner cheated inside and made a nice play. I think it has been one of those things where everyone is taking their turn. Everyone is taking their turn. We all have to play better. It’s not good enough. It’s not near good enough. It’s not close to what we want to this thing to be. I think everyone is in agreement on that from the head coach all the way through the practice squad guys. We know we have to eliminate the errors. We have to eliminate the turnovers. We have to convert third downs to get to where we want to go. I answered your question in reverse.”
(On whether he is happy with the offense’s tempo) – “(It’s the) same thing. One of the benefits of doing what we’re doing is to stay on the field and gut a defense and, hopefully in the second half, slow down the pass rush because they’ve played so many snaps and they’ve played at such a fast pace. (It’s the) same thing (with) the third downs. We haven’t gotten the tempo to where we want, as long as we want. That’s part of it: to make people stay out there for 13 plays at that tempo. That has got to be to our advantage. We’re going to get there. We’re not there yet, but we’re going to get there. That’s when you got something. That’s when you got something when you look over there and you go, ‘Gosh, they’re shot,’ and there’s still a quarter and a half to play, and they’re not rushing the passer. Now you’ve got time to throw the ball up field and make some big plays and do some different things. We haven’t gotten there. We’ve had little, tiny windows where we’ve done it well, and you catch a glimpse of all of a sudden that ball went 60 yards in four plays. That’s when you’re humming, when you cover that field and all of a sudden you’re back in the red zone again and trying to score a touchdown.”
(On whether the offense uses back-shoulder throws as much as other teams) – “I think we do. I think we’ve practiced it more than it has come up in a game. You can’t script it. It has to come up at the right time. It’s an absolutely … Nowadays, you cannot be an explosive offense if you can’t throw back shoulder, over-the-top and back shoulder throws. It’s too physical. There are too many people playing so much press coverage, so you have to. We’ve worked hard on it. We work hard on it every single week. We stress it. I’d say this: we haven’t missed them, it just hasn’t come up. They’re not overly high percentage, but one thing I think we have done is Ryan (Tannehill) is throwing the ball deep well. We’ve been pleased with how he’s throwing the ball deep. Part of that element will have to be back shoulders. I don’t know which week it’ll show up, but we haven’t had many opportunities. It hasn’t come up, but it’s a huge part of this thing. You almost have to be able to do it. We picked up a (pass) interference on the double move this week that was a big first down. All of that is part of it – the double moves, the back shoulders, being able to run by people. That all has to … It’s hard to get people off of you in this league. The truth of the matter is you can’t get them off of you all the time. Now all of a sudden you have to trust your receivers, throw a couple up for grabs – not literally up for grabs – but on the back shoulder and different places. We talk about the free hand, (and ask), ‘Where’s the free hand?’ and say, ‘Let’s give them a chance to make a big play for us.’ We do have some guys that can do that.”
(On if QB Ryan Tannehill’s best three over-the-top deep throws this season were the one-handed catch to DeVante Parker against New England, one-handed catch to Jarvis Landry against New England and the double move last week vs. Cleveland) – “The first two I think. The double move (against Cleveland), we got thrown off by the contact, which we got the penalty on. You’d love to hit that one, too. I want to hit them all.”
(On QB Ryan Tannehill’s 32-yard pass to WR Jarvis Landry against Cleveland in overtime) – “I thought that was a gigantic throw. I thought that was a huge throw. That was really encouraging. (Tannehill) got hit low, high and in the middle and made a clutch throw in an overtime situation. That’s really encouraging to a coach. That was a big throw, not an easy throw. You knew you were going to get hit. There’s a third of the league that’s going to brace for the hit and not worry about the throw and get it on the next throw. I don’t think anyone has ever questioned his courage sitting in there. That was extremely encouraging to throw an accurate ball that had a chance to turn up and get inside the 10(-yard line) there was … I thought that was really encouraging.”
(On whether he hopes C/G Anthony Steen can play Thursday) – “I do. I hold out hope. It’s such a short week, but I always hold out hope. I’d give them my credit card (and call) those 1-800-Healing numbers. We’ll try anything. (laughter) We’re not above trying anything to get well there. I always tease. I say, ‘Oral Roberts – are they still up and running over there?’ We will look for it all the way until game time. But the truth of the matter is it is a short week. It’s hard. The hardest thing is who you give the reps to. The hardest thing is … You can’t count on them. The hard thing is (deciding) do you put them up and then all of a sudden the first quarter they can’t go? Those are the complicated questions (like). If you put Steen and ‘B.A.’ (Branden Albert) up and then all of a sudden the first drive they go, ‘I tried, and I can’t go,’ you’re stuck, because those other guys are inactive. That’s the tricky part. That’s where (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase and the front office will have to make some tough decisions. Those are hard, because of the same thing, it’s a night game, you’ve got all day to get treatment, etc. But you still, at some point, have to make a decision (and say), ‘This guy can make it through,’ or, ‘He can’t. We better get a healthy body up.’ Having two starters in the same predicament is extremely complicated and extremely sensitive. That’s what makes it really tough. But the answer is yes, I hold out hope. I hold out hope for both of them and hope that all of a sudden … They do, they get so much treatment. They do such a good job nowadays with the treatment, and we do have all the way to the night. We’ve got some time tomorrow to get treatment all the way through the day again. So, I hold out hope.”
